South Island Guest Nights Increase

Friday, 12 November 2004, 12:01 am
Press Release: Statistics New Zealand

Accommodation Survey: September 2004 — 12 November 2004

Guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation for the South Island were 11 percent higher in September 2004 than in September 2003, according to Statistics New Zealand. Guest nights in the North Island were 4 percent higher in September 2004, compared with September 2003. The trend in South Island guest nights has been increasing since August 1997 and the trend in North Island guest nights has been increasing since September 1998.

Ten of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights in September 2004 than in September 2003. Canterbury (up 41,000 or 13 percent) recorded the largest absolute increase in guest nights, comparing the two September months, followed by Otago (up 30,000 or 10 percent).

Total guest nights were 2.2 million in September 2004, a 7 percent increase compared with September 2003. The trend in total guest nights has been increasing since June 1998. Brian Pink Government Statistician

ENDS

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